2012

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The grid is a rectangular pattern of dots or lines that extends over the area
you specify as the grid limits. Using the grid is similar to placing a sheet of
grid paper under a drawing. The grid helps you align objects and visualize the
distances between them. The grid is not plotted.
Snap mode restricts the movement of the crosshairs to intervals that you
define. When Snap mode is on, the cursor seems to adhere, or "snap," to an
invisible rectangular grid. Snap is useful for specifying precise points with the
arrow keys or the pointing device.
Grid mode and Snap mode are independent but are often turned on at the
same time.
Control the Display Style and Area of the Grid
You can display the grid either as a rectangular pattern of dots or as rectangular
pattern of lines. The grid displays dots when SHADEMODE is set to 2D
Wireframe. The grid displays lines when SHADEMODE is set to Hidden.
By default, the X and Y axes of the UCS display in a different color than the
grid lines. You can control the color in the Drawing Window Colors dialog
box. This dialog box is accessible from the Drafting tab in the Options dialog
box.
The LIMITS command controls the drawing area covered by the grid. As an
option, you can override the limits to make the grid cover the entire XY plane
of the user coordinate system (UCS). You can access this option in the Drafting
Settings dialog box or use the GRIDDISPLAY system variable.
Control the Frequency of Major Grid Lines
If the grid is displayed as lines rather than dots, darker lines called major grid
lines display at intervals. When working in decimal units or with feet and
inches, major grid lines are especially useful for measuring distances quickly.
You can control the frequency of major grid lines in the Drafting Settings
494 | Chapter 16 Use Precision Tools